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About Us

I wish you would use all means at your disposal—films, expeditions, the web, new submarines—to create a campaign to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas; Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the blue heart of the planet.

Mission Blue is an initiative of the Sylvia Earle Alliance (S.E.A.) to ignite public support for the protection of Hope Spots—special places that are vital to the health of the ocean, the blue heart of our planet. We draw inspiration from the vision of our founder, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and are uniting a global coalition of partners to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas. From the seamounts of the high seas to the shallow sunlit reefs, Mission Blue seeks to bring about a significant increase in ocean protection from less than four percent today to 20% by the year 2020. Under Dr. Earle’s leadership, the Mission Blue team has embarked on a series of expeditions to further this vision and shed light on these ocean Hope Spots. We also bring the discoveries and stories of a network of ocean experts to the public through documentaries, social and traditional media, and innovative tools like Google’s “Explore the Ocean” layer. Additionally, we support the work of many conservation NGOs with whom we share the basic mission of ocean protection and public awareness. Currently, the Mission Blue coalition includes over 100 respected ocean conservation groups and like-minded organizations — from large multinational companies down to individual scientific teams doing important research. Decades of overfishing, pollution, climate change, acidification and other human pressures threaten the fundamental nature of the ocean—and therefore threaten the future of humankind. We encourage all global citizens who care about our ocean to reach out and support Mission Blue in any way they can. Presently, less than four percent of the ocean is fully protected; just years ago, that number was around 1 percent. With concerted effort and passionate people, we can continue this positive trend and help create a global network of Hope Spots, the seeds of tomorrow’s healthy ocean.

Board of Directors

Emeritus Directors

Jenifer Austin

Gigi Brisson (Current Treasurer)

Meg Caldwell

Erik Gordon

Daryl Hannah

John Hanke

Michael Holland

Ann Hurley

Ann K. Luskey

Greg MacGillivray

Jim Toomey

Our Staff

Sylvia A. Earle

Founder

National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, called Her Deepness by the New Yorker and the New York Times, Living Legend by the Library of Congress, and first Hero for the Planet by Time Magazine, is an oceanographer, exp...

National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, called Her Deepness by the New Yorker and the New York Times, Living Legend by the Library of Congress, and first Hero for the Planet by Time Magazine, is an oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer with experience as a field research scientist, government official, and director for corporate and non-profit organizations including the Kerr McGee Corporation, Dresser Industries, Oryx Energy, the Aspen Institute, the Conservation Fund, American Rivers, Mote Marine Laboratory, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Rutgers Institute for Marine Science, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and Ocean Futures.

Formerly Chief Scientist of NOAA, Dr. Earle is the Founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, Inc. (DOER), Founder of the Sylvia Earle Alliance (S.E.A.) / Mission Blue, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Harte Research Institute, inspiration for the ocean in Google Earth, leader of the NGS Sustainable Seas Expeditions, and the subject of the 2014 Netflix film, Mission Blue. She has a B.S. degree from Florida State University, M.S. and PhD. from Duke University, 27 honorary degrees and has authored more than 200 scientific, technical and popular publications including 13 books (most recently Blue Hope in 2014), lectured in more than 90 countries, and appeared in hundreds of radio and television productions.

She has led more than 100 expeditions and logged more than 7,000 hours underwater including leading the first team of women aquanauts during the Tektite Project in 1970, participating in ten saturation dives, most recently in July 2012, and setting a record for solo diving in 1,000 meters depth. Her research concerns marine ecosystems with special reference to exploration, conservation and the development and use of new technologies for access and effective operations in the deep sea and other remote environments.

Her special focus is on developing a global network of areas in the Ocean, “Hope Spots,” to safeguard the living systems that provide the underpinnings of global processes, from maintaining biodiversity and yielding basic life support services to providing stability and resiliency in response to accelerating climate change.

Her more than 100 national and international honors include the 2013 National Geographic Hubbard Medal, 2011 Royal Geographical Society Patron’s Medal, 2011 Medal of Honor from the Dominican Republic, 2009 TED Prize, Netherlands Order of the Golden Ark, Australia’s International Banksia Award, Italy’s Artiglio Award, the International Seakeepers Award, the International Women’s Forum, the National Women’s Hall of Fame, UNEP 2014 Champion of the Earth, 2014 Glamour Woman of the Year, Academy of Achievement, Los Angeles Times Woman of the Year, UN Global 500, and medals from the Explorers Club, the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, Lindbergh Foundation, National Wildlife Federation, Sigma Xi, Barnard College, and the Society of Women Geographers.

Laura Cassiani

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Laura works with Mission Blue’s Board of Directors and staff to implement the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. Laura provides direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization's philoso...

As Executive Director, Laura works with Mission Blue’s Board of Directors and staff to implement the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. Laura provides direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization's philosophy, mission, strategy, and its annual goals and objectives. She joined the foundation in September 2009 as Chief Operating Officer and most recently served as Acting Executive Director.

With more than 15 years of experience in the technology industry working for companies such as NeXT and Apple, Laura brings expertise and a fresh perspective on strategy, programs, and partnerships. In 2002 she and her family moved to Switzerland where she worked for the secretariat of IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). There she spent four years working on a capital campaign for IUCN’s new sustainably-designed headquarters. With issues such as energy and climate change at the initiative’s core, she interfaced regularly with IUCN’s key programs to bring specific conservation issues to light for private sector support and partnerships. With our ocean resources rapidly diminishing, she is wholeheartedly engaged in developing strategy and programs that support the foundation’s mission to raise awareness about the plight of our ocean and catalyze action for its protection. She lives in Napa with her husband and 2 children.

Deb Castellana

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, Deb is responsible for strategic planning and oversees daily operations for the Sylvia Earle Alliance. She works with SEA's Board of Directors, strategic partners and employees to ensure that results and outcomes are in...

As Chief Operating Officer, Deb is responsible for strategic planning and oversees daily operations for the Sylvia Earle Alliance. She works with SEA's Board of Directors, strategic partners and employees to ensure that results and outcomes are in accordance with the foundation's mission, goals, and budget.

Deb joined the Sylvia Earle Alliance in 2010 and served as Director of Communications for six years, developing communication strategies to broaden the impact of Mission Blue’s programs and partnerships, before becoming Chief Operating Officer in September of 2016.

Deb’s life and professional career have centered on the ocean, from teaching scuba diving to working in the yachting industry. She has been a marketing consultant for world class sailing races and has sailed her own yacht in Europe, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico. When not immersed in Mission Blue business and ocean advocacy, Deb tends her organic vegetable garden and plans where her next scuba diving vacation will take her. Currently, Deb lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and their border collie, Sophie.

Kip Evans

Director of Photography and Expeditions

As Director of Photography and Expeditions, Kip manages the SEA’s image database, expedition planning and documentary production. He is an active participant in nearly every SEA expedition, functioning as producer, director and chief cinematogra...

As Director of Photography and Expeditions, Kip manages the SEA’s image database, expedition planning and documentary production. He is an active participant in nearly every SEA expedition, functioning as producer, director and chief cinematographer for all content. Kip’s eye for great images is constantly sought by the team to ensure the most compelling and effective messaging and story telling. He is also a Google Ocean Partner and has authored numerous postings throughout the “Explore the Ocean” layer in Google Earth. He joined the SEA in 2008 as its lead consultant for technology and expeditions.

Throughout his career, Kip has worked for many notable organizations and individuals including the National Geographic Society, where he served as the chief photographer for marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle, during a 5-year project to explore the ocean. During this period, Kip spent over 300 hours diving submersibles at depths down to 1,800 feet. Kip joined the SEAlliance Foundation in 2008 as the Director of Photography and Expeditions. Since then he has lead expeditions to Belize, Cuba, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico, documenting “Hope Spots,” special areas of the ocean that need critical protection.

Kip’s images have been widely published in books, exhibits, advertisements and magazines worldwide, including National Geographic Magazine, Patagonia, Outside, Sea and Coastal Living to name a few. During the past several years he has been on contract with National Geographic to provide photographic support to the California Education and the Environment Initiative, a state-mandated program designed for California’s K-12 education system. Kip’s photography was featured on the NBC Nightly news with Brian Williams in 2009 as part of this new initiative. In addition to his photography experience, Kip has worked as a marine biologist, expedition leader, and an educator for the National Marine Sanctuary Program. He also served as a rescue swimmer for the Pacific Grove Ocean Rescue Team for over a decade. In 2002 he received a commendation for saving the life of a young teen that had been pulled offshore by a strong rip current.

Currently Kip is focusing his attention towards highlighting marine protected areas both in California and throughout the world. His documentary, “Isla Holbox – Whale Shark Island,” won “best non-broadcast documentary” at the 2010 BLUE Film Festival held in Monterey, California. Produced in the spring of 2010, “A Wave of Change” – Central Coast Marine Protected Areas, is Kip’s latest environmental film.

Kip graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1990, with a degree in Environmental/Marine Studies. In addition to his work in the oceans, Kip also enjoys rock climbing, backpacking and cycling. He currently resides in the Monterey Bay area with his wife and two children. His current selection of fine art photography can be viewed at www.KipEvansPhotography.com.

Charlotte Vick

Director of Engagement

Charlotte’s fascination with sea life began when she was in elementary school. She loved to sneak down to a quarry and lake near her home to collect what she learned were fossils. These giant white chalky versions were really big. This was her ...

Charlotte’s fascination with sea life began when she was in elementary school. She loved to sneak down to a quarry and lake near her home to collect what she learned were fossils. These giant white chalky versions were really big. This was her personal introduction to the history of the ocean and modern crustaceans — the brachiopods, clams, snails, and related organisms we know today.

Her professional life was transformed by working in Washington, D.C. in the Ford Administration with US territories – all of which were islands. There she began a 40-year interest in the UN Convention on Law of the Sea that led to a long string of projects relating to the economic, social, legal, oceanographic and technological aspect of oceans and islands. She worked in many locations in the Pacific region and other regions and continues to be interested in issues of effective management, oceanographic exploration, mapping and research. She believes emerging technologies and approaches needed in the 21st Century coupled with dispelling ignorance can reverse the tide for our oceans.

Joining Dr. Sylvia Earle and others in 2008, she seeks to facilitate, collaborate, support and fund ocean exploration, education, mapping, policy advocacy and whatever moves positive action on ocean health, restoration and policy. She has worked with Dr. Earle in many capacities and is currently the Mission Blue Director of Engagement working with staff, partners and her personal network of friends to protect and restore the “Blue.”

Brett Garling

Director of Communications

Brett manages partner relationships and provides communications strategy for Mission Blue. As the son of an original national organizer for Earth Day, Brett grew up in a family dedicated to preserving the integrity of our environment. Brett gradua...

Brett manages partner relationships and provides communications strategy for Mission Blue. As the son of an original national organizer for Earth Day, Brett grew up in a family dedicated to preserving the integrity of our environment. Brett graduated from Tufts with a degree in International Relations and has focused his career on producing communications strategy, content marketing and video production for organizations that better our planet. Having signed on over 100 Mission Blue partners since 2012, Brett continues to grow the program, as well as supports Mission Blue social media, newsletter outreach and other foundation initiatives. On the side, Brett plays professional jazz piano and enjoys hiking and sailing in the Bay area.

Carolina Dratva

Director of Development

Caro Dratva’s greatest passion is the ocean. After falling in love with the sea as an avid scuba diver, she decided to leave the development, marketing, and graphic design roles in a major San Francisco architectural firm to completely dedicate ...

Caro Dratva’s greatest passion is the ocean. After falling in love with the sea as an avid scuba diver, she decided to leave the development, marketing, and graphic design roles in a major San Francisco architectural firm to completely dedicate her life to advocating for the ocean. She volunteers for several organizations such as The Marine Mammal Center, and she is also a member of Reef Check California, and GUE (Global Underwater Explorers). She received her Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University, and studied Psychology at Stanford University. She pursued her passion for ocean exploration by taking Marine Biology courses at City College of San Francisco. She enjoys her free time scuba diving, photographing underwater critters, and land-based nature. She is also an avid surfer, and looks forward to sailing, paddle boarding, or kayaking, when the winds visit beautiful San Francisco & Monterey Bays.

Courtney Mattison

Editorial & Development Manager

Courtney wears many hats at Mission Blue, from producing editorial content and writing grants to coordinating Dr. Earle’s schedule. With a Master of Arts in environmental studies from Brown University, she has a deep understanding of marine cons...

Courtney wears many hats at Mission Blue, from producing editorial content and writing grants to coordinating Dr. Earle’s schedule. With a Master of Arts in environmental studies from Brown University, she has a deep understanding of marine conservation science and policy – particularly regarding coral reef ecosystems – and believes in finding creative ways to bring ocean issues above the surface to inspire conservation.

Courtney is also a prominent environmental artist and her large-scale ceramic sculptural works have been exhibited at notable science and art venues throughout the United States including the Washington, D.C. headquarters of NOAA and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center in South Florida, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in an effort to unite art and science to promote awareness for the protection of coral reefs and Mission Blue’s Hope Spots.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Courtney grew up exploring the ocean and became an avid scuba diver at age 18. In 2008 she completed an interdisciplinary BA in sculpture and marine ecology at Skidmore College with coursework at James Cook University in Australia, where she studied coral reef ecology and fell in love with the Great Barrier Reef. She then spent a year as a fellow at the Harvard Ceramics Program before graduate school. She works from her “Inland Sea Studio” in Denver, Colorado. www.courtneymattison.com

Shilpi Chhotray

Communications Strategist

Shilpi is helping Mission Blue take its online presence to the next level. She curates outreach messaging related to Mission Blue causes and the ocean space in general. Shilpi comes with over nine years of experience in the ocean advocacy sector, ...

Shilpi is helping Mission Blue take its online presence to the next level. She curates outreach messaging related to Mission Blue causes and the ocean space in general. Shilpi comes with over nine years of experience in the ocean advocacy sector, particularly related to plastic pollution and marine protected areas. She's previously worked at the Environmental Defense Fund as a policy researcher, Ocean Gate as an educator, and Future 500 as a stakeholder engager.

Shilpi holds a Master of Earth and Environmental Resources Management, with a concentration in Marine Affairs, from the University of South Carolina and a BS in Environmental Policy and Planning from Virginia Tech University. Her interest in the oceans sparked in undergrad when she studied coral reef ecosystems at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. While in graduate school, her thesis on community-based involvement of marine protected areas ignited a deep passion for engaging diverse stakeholders. She is excited to promote awareness of Mission Blue's Hope Spots in her new role.

Shilpi is also the founder of Samudra Skin & Sea, an ocean-inspired skincare line featuring wild harvested, local seaweed. By blending personal wellness with ecological integrity, her goal is to bring key issues facing the oceans to every day consumers and encourage other companies to make our blue planet a CSR focus. www.samudraskinsea.com

Danielle Epifani

Communications Assistant

Danielle joins Mission Blue with 15 years experience working in Steiner education. Here, wonder, exploration and gratitude for the natural world provide tomorrow's child a cornerstone for problem solving the future. A graduate from UC Berkeley in ...

Danielle joins Mission Blue with 15 years experience working in Steiner education. Here, wonder, exploration and gratitude for the natural world provide tomorrow's child a cornerstone for problem solving the future. A graduate from UC Berkeley in Art History, she lends a hand in communications while curating images and narrating stories for Mission Blue's social media channels. Always on the lookout for resources, pictures and tales, she hopes to inspire and encourage people to take action in protecting the blue heart of our planet. Her love for the ocean comes by way of her childhood time spent in French Polynesia. In hearing the legends of her ancestors—including those of her distant great grandfather, Fletcher Christian, she's no stranger to adventure and activism. When not dreaming of sailing the high seas, she spends time in Berkeley tending to her native plant garden, battling plastic bags, and advocating for Pacific Islanders on the forefront of climate change.

Jonathan Knowles

Science and Exploration Fellow & Advisor to the Chairman

In his role as Science and Exploration Fellow and Advisor to the Chairman, Jonathan engages broadly in Mission Blue activities from strategy to field expeditions. His expertise keeps him at the frontier of beyond the horizon technologies while p...

In his role as Science and Exploration Fellow and Advisor to the Chairman, Jonathan engages broadly in Mission Blue activities from strategy to field expeditions. His expertise keeps him at the frontier of beyond the horizon technologies while providing insight on the evolving role of applied innovation to science and exploration. He is a creative thinker who researches the intersection of technology and global trends, bringing the arts and science together, while connecting people and ideas. Jonathan collaborates with engineers, scientists, educators, and others seeking to create a better world. A respected voice on future trends, long-range vision, and creating the preferred future, Jonathan counsels start-ups, global business leaders, policy makers, and tier-one academics around the world. An active diver for over 40 years, with a focus on ocean science, climate change, robotics, and biotechnology, he participates in fieldwork with others across the globe to help solve some of the world's most complex challenges.

With more than 20 years of experience in Silicon Valley, Jonathan has held senior positions at Apple and Adobe. He currently serves as Explorer in Residence and is the Diving Safety Officer at Autodesk and sits on the boards of several ocean and education focused organizations.